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Allen Transportation, which operates the service, said it has been such a success that it plans to expand service starting next week.

"We just wanted a group to be able to go out and not have to be the designated driver," said Lisa Allen, whose family owns the company.

Allen said the bus will add runs on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, in addition to the current service on Fridays and Saturdays.

The company also plans to add a second route, to be called the Lil' Hopper, that will loop through downtown and midtown.

A single $10 ticket will allow riders to use both services.

The Sactown Hopper operates from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., and the Lil' Hopper will operate from 7:15 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Allen said the service is meant to be more convenient than Regional Transit, which currently stops its bus and light rail service at 9 p.m, and more affordable than taxicabs.

"It's a much safer alternative than always having to find a (designated driver), because sometimes people are not honest about if they've been drinking or not when they drive back," said Jamieson Knopf, a Sac State junior.

Allen said ridership has averaged between 50 and 75 people per night during the past two weeks.

She said passengers are required to be at least 21 years old but do not have to be students.

The company is currently exploring adding routes from Natomas and Elk Grove.

Brenda Frachiseur, of the Sacramento chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, said her group does not endorse specific businesses.

However, Frachiseur added that MADD is supportive of services that offer alternatives to drunken driving.

"We're happy that they're having a good time, and we're extremely happy that they've found a safe alternative to get home," Frachiseur told KCRA 3.